My first WOD: One man’s story
Send this post to all your friends questioning CrossFit. Is it for them? Is it for overweight individuals? Is it truly for everybody? Joel regales us with his CF beginning and I believe answers these questions profoundly and honestly. Thanks Joel, for sending us your trials, your thoughts, and your story. We send back our commitment to your success.
October 3rd. It’s 4:24 am.
I get out of bed, being sure not to wake up the twins, and turn my alarm off before it goes. Why am I already awake at this insane hour? It’s my first day at PCF, and I’m scared out of my mind.
Let’s back up.
Both of my sisters have been going to PCF, Betsy for a couple of years, Shelly for the better part of a year. Betsy was already in what I would consider pretty good shape, and I had noticed through the last year or so that she started looking less like she was “in shape” and more like she “could kick my ass at the drop of a hat.” I knew she was going to PCF and bringing back some incredible stories. Stories about people lifting heavy things, sweat stains in the outline of a person on the floor of her gym. It didn’t sound like my old routine of 30 minutes on the elliptical with a dribble of sweat. It sounded like hell. Shelly had recently been going- aside from the massive changes in how she looks, she had more confidence, more happiness, more life than I had seen her have in years. She said it challenged her, made her want to be a better person. I was skeptical that it would do the same to me.
I had seen Crossfit workouts and been on the website. People actually using those archaic weights that I had seen dumped into the empty corner of the Y (when I still went). People moving fast. People looking different, with some versions of round to the other end of the spectrum- what I would consider pugilist-esque. But there was a commonality. Whenever I saw a picture, I couldn’t help but noticing the intensity in people’s eyes. It didn’t matter what shape the rest of their body was- they all shared this intensity that said, “I can do this.” The reassurance of self in a time of great exertion. And of the occasional post- or pre- WOD picture, the look of people who were simply… alive. I was intimidated, but curious to give it a try.
Back to October 3- I’m not a “morning” person per se. But that morning, I was ready 5 minutes before Shelly came to pick me up. Fear. All that kept running through my head was “you can’t do this.” As she pulled up to my house, the kids still quiet- asleep, all I could think for the next 20 minutes during the trip down was “what are you thinking?” As I walked through the doorway, people greeted me. Before I know it, we’re done with the foam rollers and stretching parts of my body that simply weren’t being used during my busy routine of being fat and watching TV. Sweat began, and then my heart began beating faster. I was doing some of the same movements to warm up that people far more in shape were, and somehow, even though they may have been doing it faster, it drove me to finish, even if I was a bit slower.
As everyone else maxed out their squat cleans, Chas pulled me aside and told me what my workout would be. 10 box squats and 10 sumo deadlift high-pulls, 3 rounds, as fast as I could. I remember that it was the hardest I had worked at anything for at long as I remembered. I vaguely remember other people around me, doing their thing. Weights slamming the ground, furious movement of feet against mats, music so loud that you almost forgot (almost) just how hard and fast your heart was beating. Chas coming over to encourage me and watch my form, pushing me to do it faster, better. It’s over, some 3-odd minutes later, and while I’m feeling more exhausted than ever, I also feel simply… alive.
Cut to today:
Though I will not say I don’t feel tired at 4:25 every morning I work out, I honestly cannot wait to get to PCF. It’s been less than a month, and I’m hooked. I never have been this kind of person. But I am really enjoying the challenge of self- the rejection of that voice in my head that tells me I can’t, and I answer it with sweat. Every WOD I complete makes me feel taller, stronger, more free.
Elephant in the room (no pun intended): I’m overweight. Massively so- I’m the first to admit. But honestly, I’ve never had that feeling at PCF. So what if I can’t do what everyone else does? I’ve got a 150lb weighted vest that I can’t take off anytime. I have to burn it off. The vibe I get from everyone else is respect. Respect for the fact that I’m so out of shape, and desperately trying to get back. People have corrected my form on a lift, and encouraged me 20 burpees into my own fat boy “filthy fifty” to keep going. Perfect strangers! I have nothing but love for my fellow PCFers. I’ve never felt more apart of a community so quickly.
To exceed one’s own expectations of self is an amazing feeling. Anyone who wants to check out of their own habit of doubts and fears and wants to believe in themselves can do this. I aim to continue to do so.
Dynamic:
Banded Deadlift
8×2 @ 70% 1RM(Use heaviest band possible)
For Time:
“Fran”
Thrusters 65/95
Pull-ups
21/15/9
Post impressions and time to comments.
awsome story Joel
Joel- I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to see all the awesome changes in your life! PCF is a great place to start your day! Love you and very proud of you and Traci!
Great post, joel!!! As one of Joel’s fellow 5 am-ers, I just want to say he’s doing an amazing job! I agree completely about how easily hooked you can get on CrossFit and PCF in particular. Keep up the awesome work, Joel…and keep writing!! Your posts would be an incredible addition to all the other inspiring & encouraging words we look forward to reading everyday!!!
Can’t wait to do Fran tomorrow!!!
Thanks for sharing Joel! These are the heartfelt stories, the truths about CF, that will move someone else to stop reading about it and walk thru those doors! Look forward to hearing more as you journey on!
Joel– Though I’ve never met you I’ve heard a lot about your progress through your sisters, and your testimony gave me chills the entire way through. This may be one of the best descriptions of PCF, and the reason I love that place more than any other. Thank you for sharing your story so others might be inspired to take that first step. I look forward to meeting you and hearing more about your journey to health!
What an uplifting read – thank you, Joel!
I’ve had the pleasure to do the crazy 5am class with you a few times Joel and I have to say you truly inspire me. You never give up or seem like you doubt your self & you just keep going until you are finished! I love watching new people walk in and do the wod. It gives me goose pumps and reminds me of how scared I was when I walked through those same doors for the first time. Those strangers who are pushing you to keep going, counting down or even finishing along with you will become your family. Welcome to PCF Joel!!
Awesome post Joel. Keep up the hard work.
Joel-I have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet ( I very much look forward to it), but have heard wonderful things about you. Thank you for sharing your story. Everyone at PCF is 100% behind you to be the best you can be! I am glad you took that chance on PCF..we will not let you down! You can only go up from here my friend.
Joel,
I’ve haven’t met you yet but so glad to hear ur story!! In case no one had told you…You’re badass for sticking with it!! As Kara said…you can only go UP from here!!!
Nice story Joel. Your amazing bro! Keep it up
8:38 (M)
Great story Joel! Thanks for sharing!
Again, so much respect for everyone that does crossfit!
Great 5AM class today! Kicking FRAN’s butt!
joel,
I dont often get to see you WOD, maybe a few times. What i did get to see however was you killing your first Fran this morning. It was intense, awesome job…. Your story could have gone a completely different way too. you could have stayed in bed or told shelly no. Who knows where you would be now if that had been the case, and unfortunately for a lot of people out there it probably is. Perhaps with your story it will inspire others to follow suit. Joel you are doing amazing things, even more so then I think you realize. You bring your boy in for Crossfit Kids and are introducing a healthier life for the rest of your family. Keep it up man, your are inspiring.
7:38 (m). I have never felt so physically beaten and mentally victorious at the same time.
Thanks to everyone for the awesome and inspiring words. I had no idea that my post would (seem to) affect so many. My hope is that someone starts crossfitting tomorrow who didn’t believe that they could when they woke up today.
I owe you all a debt of gratitude. I cannot wait to see where we can go together.
If you know anyone who is on the fence because of size, self-doubt, whatever and think that my story can inspire- PLEASE share it with them and tell them to email me: lymanjt AT gmail dot com.
9:27 PR
Joel – You are a rockstar! Your writing ALWAYS puts a smile on my face…and today a tear of pride in my eye! Betsy and I are so blessed to have a brother as cool as you!
It is so wonderful to see the example that you and Traci are setting for Jackson, Anderson, and Karsen! Those are three fortunate kiddos! Keep kicking ass…I am selfishly enjoying every minute of it!!!!!
PS – so sorry I left ya hanging this morning!
Joel…
Not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance yet…5am-ers are a breed more special than I.
Neitzsche says, “He who has a why…can bear almost any how.” Seems you’ve got a number of powerful whys in your life. I look forward to meeting you, and hope to be a positive (and vocal!) part of your how. I’d like to tell ya the first step’s the toughest, but hell…Fran’s on the board today.
5:12 PR
Joel, what an awesome testimony on your beginning CF experience. I am so honored to be able to WOD with you and look forward to many more! Thanks for sharing and touching so many lives already.
5:32 PR
9:00 am class was great! Several PRs! Good job everyone!
10:27
5:19 (45 second PR)
Joel….awesome, absolutely awesome! Shared your story on my FB page in hopes that your experience will inspire others…crossfit is LIFE-changing, MIND-changing and empowering…so excited for you and your future!
Joel, thank you for sharing your story and welcome to the family! As many others have said, I look forward to meeting you as well. Keep up the great work!
5:48 + @ 75lb
Joel- I am so happy you have caught the CrossFit bug, isn’t amazing how that happens? It always amazes me the way it changes peoples lives and yet it is such a hard sell. So many people want to make excuses why they can’t CrossFit, but they can’t anymore, you just threw all those poor excuses out the door with your awesome post!!!! I will be sharing this post with many. You are an inspiration and you WILL impact others by sharing your story. Welcome to the family.
4:44 PR
12:38 unmodified… By far the hardest workout of my life… And could not have finished without all of the encouragement. Special thanks to Kara Foster. You are the best. Thank you so much for pushing me.
Nikki- 6:18 PR
Matt -8:51m
Thanks Kara F, Mitchell, Kara M, (and all others yelling encouragement) for pushing me to keep my thrusters unbroken & “no rest for chalk” between pull ups!!!
6:30 class was awesome!!!! Great energy all!!!!!!!
9:40 PR UNMODIFIED!!!!!!
Thanks, Amelia, for keeping me going! And as always, thanks Chas!!!
Mitchell…you ROCK!!!!
Great 6:30!!!
Woohooooo Krissy!!!! YOU ROCK!!!
Also wanted to say- great story Joel!!!! I shared it with many people at my work who need to read it!! Your words will inspire and encourage others!!!! Glad you are at PCF!!!!!!!!
6:20-tied PR…damn franny was a doozy today!
GREAT job to EVERYONE!
7:06m…FS/Supine Row 21/15/8
unbelievable the number of first time frans tonight. awesome how many people stuck around for 530 and 630 just to cheer individuals on. hard not to get caught up in inspiration like that.
3:56
4:14
Wow- I myself carry a “weighted vest” as you call it, 100 pound one. I have been researchinh Cross FIt and checking out a lot of the various Franchises. I live in Victor, Montana – population less then 500. The closest Cross Fit is 45 miles one way so as a result no chance working out with that group. I do hav ethe equipment and my Son does great w/liftin and such. Being 17 has it privelages. I believe fear is what keeps me in an idle position – that is all about to change. Having read your story it inspires me to just go out and do “MY” best for today and move forward from there. I look forward to following along with this Group / Cross Fit site and see how things progress. Who knows maybe in my home town there are others who would like to start “moving”. I wish you nothing but success. Michael Thomas / Victor, MT
Michael-
Great to hear! If I can ever offer my support or you need someone to talk to- please email me at lymanjt at gmail dot com.
Just remember- fear is what keeps us here.
[...] than us. Sometime we can learn more from who appear less experienced. Joel opened our eyes here, and he continues to teach us all, even veterans, with his [...]